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Parents concerned about District 101 class sizes

“I would like to see a commitment to a smaller class size,” Sluis told Batavia School District 101 board members during Tuesday’s Listening Post at Hoover-Wood Elementary School. “Think about the students. Is it best for them?”

Since last year, the board has held Listening Posts to gather public comment on a variety of topics, from the skills they think students should have to prepare themselves for the future to how they think the school district is performing.

“You always have to be the advocates for your kids,” school board President Ron Link told parents.

Sluis, who has three children at Hoover-Wood Elementary School, said class sizes need to be reduced to achieve academic gain. She also voiced her displeasure about the district’s elementary Spanish program being eliminated in a cost-cutting move.

“We’re denying our children,” she said.

Another parent at the meeting requested the district install better lighting at J.B. Nelson Elementary School. Other parents asked for resources for those who have students with special needs.

School board members also shared views on what they would like to see the district do. Board member Tina Bleakley has three children in the district.

“I want to make sure the district is providing not only for gifted children, but also those right in the middle,” she said.

Board member Joseph Purpura said the district must ensure students can listen and comprehend.

“As a businessperson, I’ve interviewed a lot of ex-students coming out of college into the workforce,” he said. “If there is one thing we can do, it is to increase the ability to listen and comprehend.”

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